SORE MOUTH IN GOATS
What is “sore mouth” (contagious ecthyma, orf)?
Sore mouth in yearling goat and an adult buck.
“Sore mouth,” also known as “scabby mouth,” or contagious ecthyma, is a viral infection caused by a member of the poxvirus group and is an infection primarily of sheep and goats.
Geographically, “sore mouth” infection is commonly found throughout the world. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's National Animal Health Monitoring System (USDA APHIS NAHMS) 2001 sheep survey, 40 percent of U.S. operations reported sore mouth infecting their flocks in the previous three years.
What are the clinical signs for sore mouth?
· Early in the infection sores appear as blisters and then become crusty scabs.
· Sores are typically found on the lips, muzzle, and in the mouth (see photos).
· Sheep and goats may get similar sores/scabs on the lower legs and the teats, especially when ewes or does are nursing infected lambs or kids.
· Except in rare cases, animals recover completely from sore mouth infections within a month.
· Young animals may have difficulty nursing/feeding and may require bottle or tube feeding
What causes sore mouth?
Sore mouth in yearling goat.
Sore mouth is caused by a poxvirus (specifically of virus) and is found all over the world. The scabs of infected animals contain virus, can fall off, remain in the environment and serve as a source of infection to susceptible animals. A herd can become infected through contaminated bedding, feed or trucks, or by direct contact with infected. Animals may become infected with sore mouth more than once in their lifetime although infections are likely to occur years apart. Young animals will have the most visible disease because they have not likely been exposed to the virus before and because their immune systems are still developing.
Which animals can get sore mouth?
Sore mouth is generally found only in sheep and goats. Other ruminants that are occasionally infected include musk oxen and gazelles.
What can I do to protect my animals from sore mouth?
There are measures that may help lessen the risk of infection. These include:
· Reduce the likelihood of mouth/muzzle cuts (e.g. remove thistle or harsh brush from grazing areas)
· Quarantine new animals until sore mouth can be ruled out
· Avoid bringing animals with sore mouth to public events such as fairs and shows
The sore mouth virus survives in soil, and carrier animals may not show symptoms; as a result it is difficult to prevent infection, but using the measures above may assist in prevention.
Sore mouth may be transmitted through saliva. Some owners choose to assist the judges at shows by opening their own animal's mouth. While there is no evidence to prove that this will prevent sore mouth, it is a logical measure to decrease the spread of sore mouth by indirect contact (i.e. from infected animal to judge’s hand to uninfected animal).
What can I do to care for my animals with sore mouth?
Sore mouth is very painful to the animal. In some cases, it can result in the animal refusing to eat or drink. It is very important to make sure your animals are drinking enough water to stay hydrated, and their food source should be something more palatable, such as fresh grass and/or smaller grains. Hay is too rough on the infected area, and your animal is less likely to eat it. Keep the areas that are scabbed over moist so they don’t crack and bust open. You can use a verity of ointments on them such as udder balm, Vaseline, and Neosporin. Just make sure to use latex gloves when handling the animal.
If you notice your animal is not eating or drinking enough to maintain good health, it is always a good idea to drench your animal with fluids each day to prevent dehydration, adding silver to their water will help ward off a secondary infection. For extreme cases, another source of nutrition for your animal is pumpkin pie filling. Not only do they like the taste, but this is like goat baby food. It is packed with the nutrition they need and a good source of fiber.
Can an animal become infected with sore mouth more than once?
Yes, animals may become infected more than once in their lifetime but repeat infections usually occur after a year's time and are usually less severe.
How can I protect myself from getting sore mouth?
The virus that causes sore mouth is spread to people by touching infected animals and their equipment. Some animals may or may not have visible sores but may still be able to spread the virus.
1. Wear non-porous (rubber or latex) gloves when handling sheep or goats, especially when you have an open cut or sore and are handling the animals mouth/muzzle area.
2. Practice good hand hygiene by washing with clean, warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (or use a waterless alcohol-based hand rub